Loop aerial and the like



Oct. 19 1926.

T. WHEELER LOOP AERIAL AND THE LIKE Filed May 8, 1924 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 J67 pie Z1172 er. y J 4! 02. 19, 1926. 1,603,369 'r. WHEELER LOOP AERIAL AND THE LIKE Filed Mav 8, 19 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 727/6 7? (or. E5 7%75576 21/709626)? Patented Oct. 19, 1926.

UNITED STATES TEMPLE WHEELER, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS.

LOO? AERIAL AND THE LIKE.

Application filed May 8,

This invention has to do with improve ments in loop aerials and the like, particularly for use with radio reception. The device herein disclosed may also be used to advantage for certain other purposes, but I do not deem it necessary to enlarge upon the possible uses of the same, since many of these will be apparent from an examination of the device itself.

One of the objects of the invention is to provide a construction of loop aerial such that it can be easily folded up into a relatively small compact structure; and particularly to make provision for folding it up into a close neat bundle in which the various sticks and wires lie substantially parallel to each other.

Another feature of the invention relates to the provision of a knock-down construc- -;ion so arranged that when the same is fold d up, the wires will nevertheless be held in such relation to each other that when the device is again opened out into working position, the various turns of the wire will immediately come into the proper relationship without fouling. This is a very important feature when it is considered the aerial is ordinarily provided with a number of turns, and that the wires thereof would ordinarily become badly fouled and kinked.

Another feature of the invention relates to a provision of a knock-down construction in which provision is made for hinging or similarly connecting all of the stick sections together in such a manner that when they are opened out into working condition, they are compelled to come into the proper relative positions, thus making the device practically fool-proof, and making it possible for an inexperienced person to easily use the same with satisfactory results.

Another feature of the invention relates to the provision of means for adjusting the length of certain of the sticks, or for adjusting their relative positions when opened out into the working arrangemenaso as to ensure that the wires will be drawn taut and firmly held in the desired. position. One object in this connection is to provide means for this adjustment in association with the fixtures which are used in hinging the different stick sections together.

Another feature of the invention relates to the provision of means for tapping the 1924. Serial No. 711,827/

aerial at different points as desired, so that the number of turns in circuit can be readily adjusted from time to time by the user and in a very simple manner.

Another feature of the invention relates to the provision of an improved construe tion of base block for the device. In this connection one object is to make provision for ready attachment or detachment of the base block and aerial posts with respect to each other; and also to provide an arrangement in which the loop aerial can be turned to any desired point of the compass without havlng to turn the base block accordingly. Other objects and uses of the invention Wlll appear from a detail descriptionof the same which consists in the features of constructionand combinations of parts hereinafter described and claimed.

In the drawings: 7 s Figure 1 shows aface View of a device embodying the features of the present invention, all of the arms being shown in their, working positions by means of full lines,

and the horizontal arms being shown in the preliminary folded position by means of dotted lines; r

Fig. 2 shows an enlarged detail section through the central portion of the device showing the fitting whereby the various arm sections are connected together,' the parts being illustrated in normal or working con dition; v

Fig. 3 shows a vertical section on the line 33 of Fig. 2, looking in the direction of the arrows;

Fig. 4c shows a horizontal section on the line 44; of Fig. 2, looking in the direction of the arrows;

Fig. 5 shows an enlarged face view of the cross piece on the end of one of the sticks, hang a section on the line 5.5 of Fig. 1, looking in the direction of the arrows but on enlarged scale;

Fig. 6 shows a fragmentary horizontal section on the line 66 of Fig. 1, looking in the direction of the arrows but on enlarged seale;'

Fig. 7 shows a fragmentary vertical section on the line 77 of Fig. 1, lookingin thev direction of the arrows but on enlarged scale; and

Fig. 8 is a fragmentary section onv enlarged scale on the line 88 of Fig. 7, looking in the direction of the arrows.

The construction illustrated in the drawings includes sticks 8 and 9 adapted to constitute a vertical post and other sticks 10 and 11 adapted to constitute cross arms therefor when in working condition.

The adjoining ends of the sticks 8 and 9 are slotted as shown at 12 and 13 respectively, and receive a hinge plate 14L which is of proper size to work snugly within said slots. The ends of the hinge plate 1 1 are preferably rounded as shown in detail in Fig. 3' and are pivoted to their respective sticks by the pins 15 and 16. 'Preterably also the adjoining ends 17 and 18 of the sticks themselves are also rounded so that all of the partscan hinge together and clear eaclrother to the best advantage.

Preferably also the hinge plate 1% is socketed' in one face as shown, for example, at 19 in Fig. 2, so that spring-pressed balls 20 in the end portions of the two sticks may exert a reasonable amount of supporting aetionon the sticks to keep them aligned when they are. first brought into alignment with each other and with the hinge plate 14.

A collar 21 is slidably mounted on the stick 9 and is adapted to overlap the ends of both sticks to hold them in alignment and in the vertical position when in service. WVhen the device is in service, the lower edge of this collar rests against a cross pin 22 of the stick 8 so as to properly sustain the collar. When the device is to be knocked down, the collar can be slid up along the stick 9 as illustrated by dotted lines in Fig. 1-.

A pair of sockets 23 and 2d are hinged to the sides of the collar 21 by the hinges 25 and 26 respectively. These hinges are so placed that the sockets 23 and 24: may be turned out into a right angular position, as illustrated in Fig. 2, at which time said sockets are substantially aligned with the adjoining ends of the two vertical sticks 8 and 9.

The inner ends of the sticks 10 and 11 are set to work snugly within their sockets 2S and 24, being held therein by pin and slot connections 27 and 28, respectively. These" connections limit the back and forth movement of the sticks, so that they willnot become disengaged from their respective sockets. The studs 29 and 30 are threaded into the inner ends oil the sockets and support the inner ends of the respective sticks so as 'to hold said sticks properly positioned and against further entryin'to the sockets.

On the outer ends of the various sticks are the cross arms 31, 32, 33 and 3A1, respectively. These are connected to their respective sticks in any convenient manner, as, for example, by slotting and by the use of cross pins 35. The aerial wire 36 is looped around the cross arms the desired number of times, preferably commencing with the lower stick 31. In such case the beginning end of the aerial wire is secured to the cross arm 31 at the point 37, said aerial wire being then looped around the entire loop the desired number of times and finally terminating in a leadotl 38.

A stick 39 is preferably secured against the outer edge of the cross arm after the wire turns have been set into place so as to secure said turns rigidly in position. At the points where certain of the turns, preterably alternate turns, pass the cross arm 31, there are provided notches 40 in the bar 39. Opposite to each of these notches is a metal clip 40, as shown in Fig. 8, the same having its end portions 40" and 40 turned downwardly a slight distance to establish point-s of contact. In its central portion this clip is provided with an upturned prong 40. Vv hen the clip 40 is forced against the turn out wire, this prong 4:0 punctures the insulation and makes contact with the conductor. The other "terminal wire 41 oi the device may be provided with a metal tip 42 which can be plugged into a selected recess 40 in order to make engagement with the corresponding clip 10. In this way, the number of turns of aerial, between the lead ofif 38 and the terminal ll, can be adjusted according to the operating requirements of the user.

hen it is desired to knock down the de vice, it is only necessary to slip the collar 21 upwards along the stick 9 to the upper end thereof and simultaneously told the two arms 10 and 11 into the dotted line positions of Fig. 1. The act of slipping the collar 21 a ray from the hinge plate 1% will release the adjoining ends of the sticks 8 and 9, so that they can be folded together on the hinge plate 14. In. this way, all four of the sticks can be brought into substantial par allelism with respect to each other. Owing also to the fact that all of the turns of wire are similarly fastened to the various arms, they will be held in their proper relative positions when the device is i'ol'ded up, so that when again unfolded, they will assume a regular and properly related position.

If it should be desired to increase the tension on the wires, or to make adjustn'ieuts for other purposes, the set screws 29 and 30 may be turned in one direction or the other so as to adjust the positions of the sticks 10 and 11 when the device is opened up out in working condition.

A socket member 43 is placed on the lower end of the stick 8, said socket member being rectangular in shape to correspond with the shape of the stick. A circular extension 44 reaches downwardly from the square socket 4L3 to which it is secured by a cross pin 45 (an intermediate collar 16 being provided if desired).

The base block 47 is provided with a circular sleeve lining 48 adapted to receive the circular extension 44, and said lining a8 preferably has its upper end 49outwardly ranged as shown in Fig. 7 as a step bearing for the lower end of the collar 43. The lining 48 is permanently set into the base block time allowing the aerial, together with its post 8, to be turned to any desired position of the compass.

A socket 52 is formedin the bottom face of the base block 4& to permit the spring clip to be manipulated when the aerial post is to be removed from the base block. Preferably a circular plate 53 is provided on the base block around the collar 49, said plate being marked with points of the compass, as illustrated in Fig, 6, so as to assist the user in directing the aerial to the proper compass position.

here, in this specification, and the claims to follow, I have used the term stick or sticksf it willbe understood that Icontemplate the use of any suitable equivalent such as a rod or bar, or a member of material other than wood and capable of performing functions in the present combination equivalent to those of the members 8, 9, 10 and 11.

lVhile I have herein shown and described only a single embodiment of the features of my present invention, still I do not limit myself to the same except as I may do so in the claims.

I claim:

1. In a device of the class described, the combination of two pairs of sticks, one pair being adapted to constitute a vertical post and the other pair being adapted to constitute a horizontal cross arm, the adjoining ends of the post sticks being slotted, a hinge plate within theslots thereof, pin connec tions between the ends of said'hinge plate and the respective sticks. there being a pair of recesses in one side face of the central portion of the plate, spring pressed balls in the ends of the sticks adapted to engage said recesses when the sticks are in alignment with each other, asleeve slidably mounted on the uppermost post stick and adapted when moved into the central position to overlie both of the adjoining ends of the post sticks, together with the hinge plate and thereby retain said sticks in vertical alignment, a pin in the lowermcststick for limiting the movement of said sleeve, a pair of side sockets hinged to opposite sides of the sleeve and adapted when'in working position to stand with their butts against the sides of the central portion of the sleeve and reach outwardly therefrom at right angles thereto, the inner ends of the cross arm sticks being slidably mounted within said sockets, pin and slot connections for retaining said inner ends within said sockets while permitting longitudinal adjustment thereof, set-screws in the bases of the sockets to receive the thrusts of the sticks and limit their inward movement, a cross arm on the outer end of each stick, an aerial wire secured to all of the cross arms and adapted when the sticks are in the working position to establish a plurality of consecutive turns around the cross arms, a base block, a. socket therein for the lower end of one of the post sticks'below the cross arm thereof, and means for retaining said lower end within said socket while permitting said stick to turn with respect to the base block, substantially as described.

2. In a device of the class described, the combination of two pairs of sticks, one pair being adapted to constitute a vertical post and the other pair being adapted to constitute a horizontal cross arm, the adjoining ends of the post sticks being slotted, a hinge plate within the slots thereof, pin connections between the ends of said hinge plate and the respective sticks, there being a pair of recesses in one side face of the central portion of the plate, spring pressed balls in the ends of the sticks adapted to engage said recesses when the sticks are in align ment with each other, a sleeve slidably mounted on the uppermost post stick and adapted when moved into the central position to overlie both of the adjoining ends of the post sticks, together with the hinge plate and thereby retain said sticks in vertical alignment, a pair of side sockets hinged to opposite sides of the sleeve and adapted when in working position to stand with their butt-s against the sides of the central portion of the sleeve and reach outwardly therefrom at right angles thereto, the inner ends of the cross arm sticks being slidably mounted within said pockets, pin and slot connections for retaining said inner ends within said sockets while permitting longitudinal adjustment thereof, set-screws in the bases of the sockets to receive the thrusts of the sticks and limit their inward movement, a cross arm on the outer end of each stick, an aerial wire secured to all of the cross arms and adapted when the sticks are in the working position to establish a plurality of consecutive turns around the cross arms, a base block, a socket therein for the lower end of one of the sticks below the cross arm thereof, and means for retaining said lower lot;

end within said socket while permitting said stick to turn with respect to the baseblock,

substantially as described.

3. In a device of the class described, the

combination of two pairs of sticks, one pair being adapted to constitute a vertical post and the other pair being adapted to constitute a horizontal cross arm, the adjoining ends of the post sticks being slotted, a hinge plate within the slots thereof, pin connections between the ends of said hinge plate and the respective sticks, there being a pair of recesses in one side face of the central portion of the plate, spring pressed balls in the ends of the sticks adapted to engage said recesses when the sticks are in alignment with each other, a sleeve slidably mounted on the uppermost post stick and adapted when moved into the central position to overlie both of the adjoining ends of the post sticks together with the hinge plate and thereby retain said sticks in vertical alignment, a pair of side sockets hinged to opposite sides of the sleeve and adapted when in working position to stand with their butts against the sides of the central portion of the sleeve and reach outwardly therefrom at right angles thereto, the inner ends of the cross arm sticks being slidably mounted within said sockets, set-screws in the bases of the sockets to receive the thrusts ot the sticks and limit their inward movement, a cross arm on the outer end of each stick, an aerial wire secured to all of the cross arms and adapted when the sticks are in the working position to establish a plurality of con secutive turns around the cross arms, a base block, a socket therein for the low-er end of one of the post sticks below the cross arm thereof, and means for retaining said lower end within said socket while permitting said stick to turn with respect to the base block, substantially as described.

a. In a device of the class described, the combination of two pairs of sticks, one pair being adapted to constitute a vertical post and the other pair being adapted to constitute a-horizontal cross arm, the adjoining ends of the post sticks being slotted, a hinge plate within the slots thereof, pin connections between the ends of said hinge plate and the respective sticks, there being a: pair of recesses in one side face of the central portion of the plate, spring pressed balls in the ends of the sticks adapted to engage said recess-es when the sticks are in alignment with each. other, a sleeve slid'ably mounted on the uppermost post stick and adapted when moved into overlie both ot the adjoining ends of the poststicks together with the hinge plate and thereby retain said sticks in vertical alignment, a pair of side sockets hinged to opposite sides of the sleeve and adapted when in working'position to stand with their butts against the sides of the central portion of the sleeve and reach outwardly therefrom at right angles thereto, the inner ends of the cross arm sticks being, slidably mounted the central position. to

within said sockets, set-screws in the bases of the sockets to receive the thrusts of the sticks and limit their inward movement, a cross arm on the outer end of each stick, and an aerial wire secured to all of the cross arms and adapted when the sticks are in the working position to establish a plurality of consecutive turns around the cross arms, substantially as described.

5. In a device of the class described, the combination of two pairs of sticks, one pair being adapted to constitute a vertical post and the other pair being adapted to constitute a horizontal cross arm, the adjoining ends of the post sticks being slotted, a hinge plate within the slots thereof, pin connections between the ends of said hinge plate and the respective sticks, a sleeve slidably mounted on one post stick and adapted when moved into the central position to overlie both of the adjoining ends of the post sticks together with the hinge plate and thereby retain said sticks in Vertical alignment, a pair of side sockets hinged to opposite sides of the sleeve and adapted when in working position to stand with their butts against the sides of the central portion of the sleeve and reach outwardly therefrom at right angles thereto, the inner ends of the cross arm sticks being slidably mounted within said sockets, set-screws in the bases of the sockets to receive the thrusts of the sticks and limit their inward movement, a cross arm on the outer end or" each stick, and an aerial wire secured to all of the cross arms and adapted when the sticks are in the working position to establish a plurality of consecutive turns around the cross arms, substantially as described.

6. In a device of the class described, the combination of two pairs of sticks, one pair being adapted to constitute a vertical post and the other pair being adapted to constituto a horizontal cross arm, the adjoining ends of the post sticks being slotted,'a hinge plate within the slots thereof, pin connections between the ends of said hinge plate and the respective sticks, spring pressed balls in the ends of the sticks adapted to engage said recesses when the sticks are in alignment with each other, a sleeve slidably mounted on the uppermost post stick and adapted when moved into the central position to overlie both of the adjoining ends of the post sticks together with the hinge plate and thereby retain said sticks in vertical alignment, a pair of side sockets hinged toopposite sides of the sleeve and adapted when in working position to stand with their butts against the sides of the central portion of the sleeve and reach outwardly therefrom at right angles thereto, a cross arm on theouter end of each stick, and an aerial wire secured to all of the cross arms and adapted when the sticks are in the working position to establish a plurality of consecutive turns around the cross arms, substan tially as described.

7. In a device of the class described, the combination of two pairs of sticks, one pair being adapted to constitute a vertical post and the other pair being adapted to constitute a horizontal cross arm, means for hinging together the adjoining ends ofthe post sticks, a sleeve slidably mounted on one post stick and adapted When in the central position to overlie the adjoining ends of both post sticks and thereby retain said sticks in vertical alignment, a pair of side sockets hinged to opposite sides of said sleeve and adapted when in Working position to stand With their butts against the sides of thecentral portion of the sleeve and reaching outwardly therefrom at right angles-thereto, a cross arm on the outer end of each stick, and an aerial Wire secured to all of the cross arms and adapted when the sticks are in Working position to establish a plurality of consecutive turns around the cross arms, substantially as described.

8. In a device of the class described, the combination of tWo pairs of sticks, one pair being adapted to constitute a vertical post and the other pair being adapted to con stitute a horizontal cross arm, means for hinging together the adjoining ends of the post sticks, a sleeve slidably mounted on one post stick and adapted When in the central position to overlie the adjoining ends of both post sticks and thereby retain said sticks in vertical alignment, a pair of side sockets hinged to opposite sides of said sleeve and adapted When in Working position to stand With their butts against the sides of the central portion of the sleeve and reaching outwardly therefrom at right angles thereto, and an areial Wire carried by the outer ends of all of the sticks to constitute a loop, substantially as described.

9. In a device of the class described, the combination of two pairs of sticks, one pair being adapted to constitute a vertical post, and the other pair being adapted to constitute a'horizontal cross arm, means for hinging the central portions 01": the post sticks together, means for hinging the central portions of the cross arm sticks together, a slidable connection between the hinged ends of the cross arm sticks and one of the post sticks, and an aerial Wire encircling the outer ends of all of the sticks, substantially as described.

TEMPLE WHEELER. 

